Amblyopia ex anopsia is a term used in ophthalmology to describe a type of lazy eye caused by visual deprivation. The term is spelled phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as [æmblɪˈoʊpiə ɛks əˈnɒpsiə], where the accent marks indicate the stress on the syllables. The word amblyopia refers to a reduced ability to see despite wearing corrective lenses, while anopsia means complete blindness in one or both eyes. This condition can be treated through early detection and proper management by a qualified eye doctor.
Amblyopia ex anopsia, also known as anisometropic amblyopia, is a medical condition that affects vision in one or both eyes, resulting in reduced visual acuity or difficulty perceiving details. It is a type of amblyopia, which is a visual impairment that typically occurs during childhood due to abnormal development of the visual system. However, amblyopia ex anopsia specifically refers to a form of amblyopia that arises due to anisometropia, which is a significant difference in refractive error between the two eyes.
This condition occurs when one eye has significantly better vision than the other, leading the brain to rely predominantly on the eye with better vision and to ignore signals from the other eye. The brain essentially "switches off" the images received by the weaker eye, causing it to become functionally amblyopic. Consequently, the weaker eye does not develop normal visual acuity.
If left untreated, amblyopia ex anopsia can result in long-term visual impairment and reduced quality of life. Treatment typically involves correcting any refractive error and then encouraging the use of the weaker eye through various therapies, such as patching the stronger eye to force the brain to pay attention to the weaker eye. The goal is to improve visual acuity and binocular vision, allowing both eyes to work together effectively. Early detection and intervention are crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
Dimness of vision from non-use, occurring in the young as a result of cataract, refractive errors of high degree, etc., which prevent accurate focusing on the retina.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.